Under the vampire Lord's protection-Chapter 526: Interesting findings

Arabella’s jaws worked ever so slowly as though rusted by years of dormancy. The food wasn’t the easiest to chew either; the bread alone refused to separate and soften under her teeth as if made of rubber, forcing all of her features to twist along just for a single bite to go through.

"I am sorry, I don’t have better than this to offer," Irene sat by her side, watching her struggle, "I know you are used to much a better diet than this,"

"I’ve never been the pickiest," Arabella did her best to return a smile but had to stop all other motion in order to muster that small bit of strength, "I am well with whatever I am given,"

"One would expect the girls who directly serve his highness would earn a nicer treatment, but," the blond pushed a heavy sigh, "Here we are,"

After yet another spirit draining munch, Arabella managed to speak again, "I suppose it is part of his sordid tendencies when it comes to sexual desires,"

Indeed, the sadistic proclivities of Cedric had never truly been a secret to anyone. Even years back, mistress Alexandra had warned and prepared her for what to expect when at his mercy.

The need to dominate, degrade and inflict pain were no shockers coming from him.

"Irene," the young woman stopped all doings just to grab the blond’s attention. When acquired, she continued, "May I ask you a bit of a personal question?"

"Please do," Irene returned a smile just as feeble as hers.

Arabella took a deep breath, as deep as her lungs still allowed, "I asked you before but never got a concrete answer," she cleared her throat, "When introducing you, the prince said that you were one of his favorites and that you worked hard to earn the privilege to accompany him there," by then, Irene’s meek smile had already vanished, "I guess, I wish to know for how long have you lived here, like this?" her tone and voice had gone lower and lower with every syllable uttered.

The core freezing silence that followed her words eclipsed the harshness of the cold floor beneath their bums.

Arabella was all but ready to put an end to that miserable hitch in time, but Irene beat her to the mark.

The blond did not raise her gaze from that sorry plate on her lap, "I wasn’t his favorite at first, but I had no other choice but to become so," she picked a small piece of discolored potato before bringing it to her eye level, "He had it out for my parents who refused to send me over to him," she even chuckled.

"Your father refused too," Arabella half asked, eyes widening.

In response, Irene gave a mere nod at first, "Baron Ironheart stood not a chance in front of his highness’ demands. In front of the cruel reminder that no matter their title, anyone could be made to crawl at the king’s feet. I had to grovel before him just so that he would spare my family and I won. I managed to get in his good graces," she nodded slowly and repeatedly.

"But he still threatens their safety when angered," the young woman hung her head low, "Was it what Zarah meant when she told you about what would happen if you disobeyed?"

Irene gave her a mere hum which was more than enough.

There was something that troubled Arabella’s mind, however. Ever since her ordeal with the Generals, despite it being pushed to the very back in that time being.

"You made mention of the king. Did he interfere in forcing your father’s hand?"

"He didn’t need to do so directly, but I’d say yes. Why?"

Arabella’s eyes somewhat sharpened when pondering those exact thoughts, "Earlier, when Zarah spoke of me... Serving multiple men at once," it was very difficult getting those words out of her throat, "She meant the war Generals. It happened in the meeting room where the king alone is supposed to sit at the center and lead, but he wasn’t there. Why was the prince in there instead of his father?"

Irene turned all of her attention onto the young woman, earning her a look as though she had just asked the question with the most obvious answer in the world.

"Were you not made aware back in Umbraria?"

"I am afraid not," Arabella shook her head, "I remained clear of all things that had to do with Lustrisian matters,"

"The king is gravely ill," she stated, "He has been for over two months now and none of the doctors know what to do with him. The crown prince has stepped forward and handled all kingdom dealings himself in the meantime,"

Out of all the happenings around them, that was certainly the most interesting information to graze Arabella’s ears since her arrival.

It was no wonder Cedric had free reign over all things. In fact, thinking about it, would the king ever have allowed his son to cross the borders had he still been able to keep a straight spine on the throne?

"Do you happen to know what sort of malady has befallen the king?" she asked.

"No," Irene shook her head, "News travel fast but this time around even the doctors have no idea what plagues him as his symptoms are inconsistent with any ailment they’ve encountered thus far in their careers,"

That was quite the pickle indeed, however, Arabella was not allowed to consider the words any further as the doors facing them burst open for the... Lovely face of Zarah to storm through.

Paying mind to nothing other than her goal, the hag stomped over to the two women curled by that same table Arabella had been forced to straddle.

"What a cozy sight," she sneered, "Stand up! Both of you," the order echoed across the walls, "His highness has ordered your presence in his chambers. Don’t you make him wait for you,"

As if the words weren’t enough, Zarah grasped at the leash that ended around Arabella’s neck before yanking her to a standing position.